Key takeaways
- A public administration degree is a multidisciplinary program that includes courses in economics, finance, accounting, management, politics, and social sciences.
- At the bachelor level, you can pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree, and at the advanced level, you can pursue a master’s and a PhD.
- Specializations in public administration include health administration, non-profit management, public personnel management, and more.
- University of Central Florida, James Madison University, and George Mason University are some renowned colleges offering a public administration bachelor’s degree.
- For an online public administration degree, explore programs by Park University, UMass Dartmouth, and Eastern Oregon University Online.
- 64% of employers in public administration seek graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree.
- 50% of employed professionals in the field have an advanced degree.
Public administration is the ideal field of study for those passionate about working toward the benefit of society. Through formal education, you can pursue various jobs in federal, state, or local governments or in public companies supporting public welfare initiatives and efforts.
In this guide, you will learn about the public administration program in detail, find colleges offering a Bachelor of Public Administration, and explore job opportunities you can get with a bachelor’s degree in the field.
What is public administration?
Public administration encompasses the management of public programs and the implementation of public policies for the betterment of society. It is a vast field requiring public administration professionals across government organizations and public organizations to engage in a variety of roles for the effective implementation of policies.
Key responsibilities of public administrators include resource allocation, project management, program delivery, policy making, and public service. The end goal of all public administrative efforts is the overall betterment of society and to serve public interests and needs, making public service the most important responsibility of all.
Whether you are passionate about public service or passionate about driving meaningful ever-lasting change for the better, a formal education in public administration can open relevant career opportunities for you.
What does a public administration degree entail?
A public administration degree features a blend of politics, economics, social sciences, and social welfare courses. Through the program, students develop an in-depth understanding of how governments work. It involves the study of policy-making, policy interpretation, and implementation.
At the bachelor’s level you can pursue either an associate in public administration or a bachelor’s degree. To further advance your career prospects, you can pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Public Administration and then a PhD.
Associate Degree in Public Administration (ADP-PA)
An associate degree in public administration spans two years and prepares students for a bachelor’s program. Students can also qualify for some lower-level positions, but the scope of learning and skill set they develop in an associate program is limited.
Bachelor of Public Administration
A bachelor’s degree lasts four years and features a comprehensive curriculum training aspiring public administrators to take on a variety of roles. Students develop a wide range of applicable skills and an in-depth understanding of public administration principles and concepts.
Master of Public Administration
A master’s program spans 1 to 3 years and is ideal for those aspiring to obtain senior managerial-level positions. Through a master’s program students develop advanced skills to manage and lead people, programs, and administrative efforts.
Doctorate in Public Administration
A doctorate or a PhD program spans three to five years. However, if needed it can be extended to 8 years. Generally, students pursuing formal employment alongside their doctorate programs require longer to finish the program. It is ideal for those who want to venture into research, consultancy, or teaching. With a PhD, you can also qualify for top-tier executive-level positions such as Public Affairs Specialist, or Program Director.
Bachelor of Public Administration – In-depth degree guide
Nations, cities, towns, and communities rely on driven individuals passionate about improving the quality of life for the people. A bachelor’s degree in public administration is a four-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully fulfill roles and responsibilities required in the professional field.
It is a multidisciplinary program with a political science core. Additionally, students undertake courses in statistics, accounting, management, finance, social sciences, and economics. With a bachelor’s degree, graduates qualify for the complete range of entry-level jobs in public administration.
Typical program curriculum
At the bachelor’s level, you can pursue a bachelor’s in public administration, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, or a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. The program curriculum will vary slightly based on the type of program a student is enrolled in.
Those pursuing a BSc can expect to take a higher number of statistical, mathematical, and technical courses. Whereas those undertaking a BA will take courses in arts and humanities. The learning takeaways will vary only slightly, and neither is considered superior to the other.
A bachelor’s program features 120 to 135 credit hours divided across core and specialization courses plus electives. Core courses that you will come across in a public administration degree can include:
- World Politics
- Ethics and Public Policy
- Legislative Process
- Public Policy Analysis
- The American Presidency
- American Government and Politics
- Social Problems
- Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior
- State and Local Government
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Available specializations
Within the public administration degree, there are specialized paths you can pursue. Pursuing a specialization equips aspiring professionals with niche-specific and industry-relevant skills, which can greatly enhance their eligibility. Here are some available options.
Public Personnel Administration
The Public Personnel Administration or the Human Resource Management specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to recruit, train, compensate, and evaluate employees in a public organization. Through the program’s curriculum, you will learn how to efficiently utilize and manage employees to achieve organizational goals through courses such as:
- Strategic Human Resource Planning
- Organizational Development/Intervention
- Human Resource Management
Public Financial Management
Through the public financial management specialization you will learn how to manage government budgets, strategic financial planning, budgeting, accounting, revenue generation, and resource allocation. Some courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Public Financial Management – Revenue
- Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets
- Financial Reporting
- The IMF and Economic Policy
Public Service Administration
Within a public administration degree, the public service administration specialization helps you build the unique skill set that professionals need to navigate challenges in the public sector. After graduating with the specialization, you will be able to lead organizations, navigate the transformation within government, and influence change with skills built through courses such as:
- Strategy, Collaboration & Communication
- Managing Personnel & Information Systems
- Leading Government & Nonprofit Organizations
Non-Profit Management
The non-profit management specialization will enable you to drive betterment efforts in human welfare areas such as environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, healthcare access, anti-racism, and so on. Non-profit management specialization courses can include:
- Race in Public Administration
- Labor Management Relations
- Public Information Systems
- Organizational Behavior
Healthcare Administration
This specialization is ideal for those who want to improve public healthcare. Through the program, they will develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in healthcare policy-making, and implementation at federal, state, and local levels. Additionally, students will develop an in-depth understanding of principles and best practices needed to plan and manage healthcare systems through courses such as:
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Healthcare Laws & Ethics
- Health Policy
Emergency Management
Through the emergency management specialization, you will develop the skills needed to navigate disastrous situations. With the help of theoretical classes and fieldwork, you will develop comprehensive expertise in responding to and recovering from disasters. You will also gain the knowledge needed for strategic planning, and development of emergency response plans and policies through courses such as:
- Public Management
- Integrated Emergency Management
- Information Technology in Emergency Management
- Emergency Management Operations Framework
Urban and Regional Planning
The urban and regional planning specialization covers important areas such as community development, land use planning, urban development, and more. The specialization features courses covering varied topics including geography, mathematics, social studies, and economics. Some courses you can come across in this specialization include:
- Principles of Planning Law
- Introduction to GIS Urban Plan
- History of City Urban Growth and Planning
- Planning Theory & Practice
Environmental Policy and Management
The specialization is ideal for those passionate about environmental preservation. Through a range of courses, students enrolled in this specialization learn what it takes to drive change and work towards preserving the environment. Courses cover topics such as risk assessment, environmental policy and governance, economics, natural resources utilization and preservation, and more. Sample curriculum courses can include:
- Communicating Climate Change
- International Organizations and Ocean Management
- Risk Assessment for Environmental Health Hazard
- Native Nations, Native Lands, and Native Waters
Skills you develop in a public administration major
While passion and a genuine desire to work toward the betterment of society are the driving forces behind public administrative efforts, the right skill helps bring to life the vision set by professionals. The exact skills you develop will vary depending on the specialization you choose. However, according to research published in Harvard Business Review, effective administration requires three basic skills, namely technical, human, and conceptual.
Technical skills
Out of all the skills, technical skills are the most concrete and most prominently highlighted. They highlight an individual’s ability to use specialized tools and techniques and possession of specialized niche-specific knowledge. In a public administrative capacity, technical skills include:
- Data Analytics
- Financial Budgeting
- AI and Machine Learning
- Accounting
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Allocation
- Project Management
- Policy Analysis
- Financial Management
- Risk Assessment
- Cost Benefit Analysis
Human skills
When working for the people, you need to be able to understand the needs of the people and relate to their plight. You don’t always have to come from the same socio-economic situation to understand the pain of those suffering in your community or society at large.
Human skills are also referred to as soft skills, but they are what enable managers to build human relationships within an organization and ensure efficient people management. These skills include:
- Empathy
- Emotional Intelligence
- Compassion
- Authenticity
- Communication
- Comprehension
Conceptual skills
Conceptual skills are what enable you to think critically and find solutions to complex problems. With the help of conceptual skills, you can plan strategically, break down complex problems, and take theories and policies breaking them down into actionable steps. Conceptual skills include:
- Empathy
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Leadership
- Research and assessment
- Negotiation
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree vary depending on the program, and your previous qualifications. If you are applying for a Bachelor of Public Administration after high school, the general admission requirements will be:
- High school transcript
- Standardized test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency scores (for international students)
Each college also lists specific admission requirements such as a minimum high school GPA, number of recommendation letters, specific SAT or ACT test score requirements, and so on. When you start your college application process, check the specific admission requirements listed by the college.
If you are applying for a bachelor’s after graduating with an associate’s degree, you will need to submit the following:
- Official degree transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency scores (for international students)
Here, the specific admission requirements can include a minimum CGPA, a number of recommendation letters, and an equivalence check to determine how many of the previously earned college credits are transferable. Those with an associate degree can be eligible to start their bachelor’s degree in the fifth semester.
Graduation requirements
Graduation requirements are what students need to fulfill to earn their bachelor’s degree. Each college has different specific graduation requirements, but the general requirements are as follows:
- Minimum GPA
- Completion of required credits – in each category
- Capstone project
- Internship
The minimum GPA requirements vary by college and can be between 2.0 to 2.5. Additionally, students need to complete capstone or research projects and submit a report. They will also need to complete an internship and submit a certificate as proof of completion to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Colleges offering a public administration bachelor’s degree
Finding the ideal college or university in the US can prove to be challenging. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 2,637 4-year colleges in the United States. To make college hunting a lot easier, here is a list of colleges offering a public administration bachelor’s degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| California State University -Dominguez Hills | 89% | 79% | $7,064 in-state
$18,944 out-of-state |
| George Mason University | 90% | 70% | $13,815 in-state
$39,397 out-of-state |
| James Madison University | 78% | 84% | $14,242 in-state
$31,588 out-of-state |
| Upper Iowa University | 54% | 58% | $19,475 |
| University of Central Florida | 41% | 76% | $6,368 in-state
$22,467 out-of-state |
| Oakland University | 90% | 57% | $15,863 in-state
$23,873 out-of-state |
| University of Maine at Augusta | 97.8% | 34% | $8,618 in-state
$21,548 out-of-state |
| University of La Verne | 74% | 63% | $47,000 |
Do colleges offer an online public administration bachelor?
Several colleges across the US offer an online public administration program to cater to the rising demand for distance learning opportunities. Post-COVID, an increasing number of students are searching for and preferring online programs.
There are two types of online degrees, synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous programs require real-time class participation, so students must stick to the campus schedule. Students enrolled in an asynchronous program don’t need to stick to a schedule and are free to create their own learning timeline.
A significant number of students opt for at least one online class even if they don’t choose an online degree even when enrolled in a traditional program. There must be a reason for why a trend that rose to fame during the pandemic, is striving on 3 years past.
Advantages of pursuing an online public administration degree
Whether you are enrolled in a synchronous or asynchronous program, you enjoy greater flexibility in an online degree. You don’t have to get to campus on time and you save time and money spent on travel. Moreover, if you are enrolled in an asynchronous program, you can take classes from anywhere and at any time.
Online degrees are more affordable compared to traditional programs. While the tuition and fees are generally the same for offline and online degrees, the overall cost of attendance of an online program is significantly lower as students don’t have to account for travel, accommodation, and other costs. Moreover, online programs remove geographical barriers. Students from any country can access quality education from renowned institutions in the US and across the world.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue either part of full-time employment alongside their degree. The time saved commuting to and from college can be spent on more productive activities.
Disadvantages of an online public administration degree
However, an online public administration degree can prove challenging for students who are not great at time management or lack discipline and self-regulation. While being in charge of your own learning timeline has its benefits, it can be quite challenging for some.
Additionally, students lack support and guidance from on-campus counselors and experts. They won’t have access to campus resources such as state-of-the-art labs, student groups, libraries, and so on. Moreover, they won’t be able to receive real-time feedback or engage in class discussions, which may hinder the learning process.
Colleges offering an online public administration bachelor’s degree
Before you enroll in an online program, make sure you carefully weigh the pros and cons first. If you do decide that an online program suits you better than an on-campus one, here is a list of colleges offering a public administration bachelor’s online.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| UMass Dartmouth | 96% | 59% | $20,440 |
| Texas State University | 88% | 54% | $12,220 in-state
$24,520 out-of-state |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 96% | 39% | $16,450 |
| Park University | 69% | 31% | $575 per credit hour |
| Eastern Oregon University Online | 99% | 50% | $10,671 in-state
$24,621 out-of-state |
Public administration jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree
Career opportunities and earning potential are some major considerations when choosing a college program and rightfully so too. A college degree costs a substantial amount of money and requires 4 years to complete. Thus, its worth is often measured in the number of career opportunities it presents and the earning potential in the field. Here are a few job opportunities that you can explore after graduating with a bachelor’s degree.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Urban and Regional Planner | $85,940 |
| Emergency Response Specialist | $61,768 |
| Budget Analyst | $84,940 |
| Social Services Director | $59,621 |
| Economist | $115,730 |
| City Manager | $79,079 |
| Public Administrator | $112,991 |
| Health Services Manager | $110,680 |
| Social and Community Services Manager | $77,030 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $50,130 |
Public administration industry overview and hiring trends
The United Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook on public policy and social services. The handbook sheds light on many pervasive industry trends that can help aspiring professionals hoping to pursue a fruitful career in public administration.
- Perhaps the most prominent and useful finding mentioned in the report is that over 64% of occupations in the sector require at least a bachelor’s degree and 50% of employed professionals hold an advanced degree.
- Public Administration is among the top 4 specializations in the public policy and social services sector, alongside public policy, social work, and human services and community organization.
- More than 70% of qualified graduates are employed in Community and social services, Management, Office and Administrative Support, Educational Instruction, and Business and Financial Operations.
- Top employing occupations with a positive outlook include medical and health services managers, social and community services managers, and managers (all others).
Frequently Asked Questions about a public administration degree
Exploring what others are asking about the program is the last stretch of the degree search. Here, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a public administration degree.
Is an NGO a public administration?
NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organizations. They are not-for-profit organizations that can partner or collaborate with governments for projects. However, they are not affiliated with any organization and work independently to promote social change. NGOs are purpose-driven and are usually working toward a goal such as advocating for human rights, preventing animal abuse/ cruelty, defending minorities against discrimination, and so on.
What is a degree to work for in business/public administration?
To pursue a career in public or business administration, you can either pursue a bachelor’s degree in public administration, or a Bachelor of Business Administration. You can also explore a degree in Public Policy, or Political Science.
Some specialization tracks in public administration such as Emergency Management can also be pursued as standalone degrees. So, if you are sure you want to pursue a career in emergency management, a bachelor’s degree in the field might be better suited to you.
What do you do as a public administrator?
Public administrators perform a variety of roles and undertake responsibilities accordingly. These can include government management, policy development, client advocacy, guardianship/conservatorship, and more. The job opportunities and roles available to you will also depend on the career track you opt for.
What is public policy?
Public policy is defined as the set of laws, rules, and regulations that help us tackle real-world challenges and problems. These policies are underpinned by frameworks that are implemented through government programs. Public policy is the umbrella term encompassing a broad spectrum of societal areas such as employment, finance, transportation, and so on.
Become a public administrator with a public administration degree!
To be able to work for the benefit of the society is a privilege not available to many. Those passionate about driving change and reforms should consider a public administration degree. With a formal education in public administration, you can become part of the mechanism that brings order to chaos and strives for improvement across all aspects of our lives.
Start your college application for a Bachelor of Public Administration with tools such as AI Essay Generator from All Bachelor Degrees for a smooth start. You can also utilize the platform’s college search tool to find the ideal US college to kickstart your college education.